Peyton Varela
Softball’s Peyton Varela had a big day on Tuesday as she signed with Southeastern University, an NAIA school located in Lakeland, Fla. Varela will receive a full scholarship from the institution and will play for the Lady Fire’s softball team starting this spring.
The Lady Cougar pitcher posted a 4.14 ERA, 27 strikeouts and three wins in three starts and 14 relief appearances in 2019.
“This was my third year at Cleveland State and I truly don’t know where I’d be without [head coach] Steve Jaecks over these years and [assistant coach Jennah McElheney] coming in this year,” said Varela of her time as a Lady Cougar.
“They both have guided me and helped me grow, not only as a softball player, but as a person as a whole. My collegiate softball experience has been full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Having two hip surgeries definitely took a toll on me physically and especially mentally, but I learned so much about myself going through that. To the girls on the team this year, I will miss you all so much. I look forward to keeping up with your games and seeing how successful you’ll be. I’m so excited for this next journey… Cougs for life!”